ML430
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 8
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From: Mountains of far western NC ;) BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
ML430
anyone have anything great to say about the ML430? I may be buying a 2000 or 2001 model, please fill me in. ALSO where can I see pics of everyones ML??? Does anyone have the front brush guard on, with the lights?!? thanks for the INFO 
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 142
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From: Atlanta, GA
2000 ML 320
I had the front brush gaurd (really just a bar and skid pan from the dealership) on mine but I took it off and back. From the side, it looked like a wagon with a brush gaurd. It looked good from the front though. It would probably look a lot better with some 19 or 20's.
I put mine on by myself and without any instructions.
I put mine on by myself and without any instructions.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12
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From: NC
1999 ML 430
ML 430
Don't get any earlier than a 2000. I have a 99 and it's been a lot of grief. All the usual stuff, the latest being a fuel pump failure, earlier in the week. It had to be flatbedded 2 hours down to Hickory, got it back yesterday, and now the power steering pump howls so bad I'm afraid to drive it. I'm waiting for the dealer to call me back, as I write this, and come up and get it, with a replacement. As to dealers, I've always had maint done by Hendrick Motors, in Hickory, and I can't say enough good about the service I've received. They have really tried hard to keep this thing on the road, and me happy - they get five stars Would I get another one, not on your life; this is my 5th MB, and I'll never have another. Fortunately, this one is leased, so it will soon be someone elses problem. 
Would I get another one, not on your life; this is my 5th MB, and I'll never have another. Fortunately, this one is leased, so it will soon be someone elses problem.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2001 ML 430
I have a 2001 430 and I love it. I drove a Navigator prior to this and this is much more car like with the benefits of the SUV. I also drive a BMW 540 with a bunch of Dinan mods and I really have been impressed with how the ML 430 performs given its weight and function. I am at +/- 12,000 miles and I have had some brake squeak problems but the dealer replaced all rotors and pads under warranty. I have heard many people say "avoid pre 2000 models" and I would do that to stay on the safe side. Good luck
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
It's not just pre 2000's ......
My ML430 purchased in Sept 99 (it's a MY 2000) was nothing but trouble for the first 30,000 miles or so - something breaking, falling off, or playing up everything 2-3 months resulting in 23 warranty claims and I'm not talking about the usual rattle & squeaks etc.
Unfortunately I paid cash & MRSP for this SUV - so I'm keeping it till the warranty runs out and making sure MB USA picks up the tab for the repairs. By which time it'll probably be perfect and ready for someone else :-)
If you really want to scare yourself - go visit www.mercedes-lemon.com or if you want to re-assure yourself the ML is a good truck go visit www.benzworld.org
I suspect quality has improved on the later year models - but as for long term reliability, it's too early to say. But bear in mind the ML has a lot of domestic content from the same companies that supply GM, Ford, Chevvy etc.......
Unfortunately I paid cash & MRSP for this SUV - so I'm keeping it till the warranty runs out and making sure MB USA picks up the tab for the repairs. By which time it'll probably be perfect and ready for someone else :-)
If you really want to scare yourself - go visit www.mercedes-lemon.com or if you want to re-assure yourself the ML is a good truck go visit www.benzworld.org
I suspect quality has improved on the later year models - but as for long term reliability, it's too early to say. But bear in mind the ML has a lot of domestic content from the same companies that supply GM, Ford, Chevvy etc.......
